*IS**BS*VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE
DATE:*BF* Saturday 19th December 2015
*BS*KICK-OFF:*BF* 3.00pm
*BS*VENUE:*BF* Blundell Park, DN35 7PY*IF*

*BS*Dover Athletic travel to Blundell Park on Saturday, looking to cement third place over the Christmas period. Opponents Grimsby are in fifth, and have won their last four matches in the Vanarama National League.*BF*

After an inconsistent November, Dover have rallied and got this month off to a perfect start – two wins from two, eight goals scored and progression sealed in the FA Trophy. Having been knocked out of the FA Cup by Stourbridge, the FA Trophy offered Whites their last opportunity to compete in a knockout competition parallel to the playoff push, and it was a chance seized with both hands.

A strong side travelled to East Sussex to take on Steve King’s side, and the 3-1 victory came courtesy of a goal from Nicky Deverdics, and two from Stefan Payne. Next up in the competition are either Southport or Worcester City at Crabble, with the sides needing a replay after their initial 0-0 draw.

Prior to that, Whites dismantled a poor Aldershot side 5-2 to continue their excellent home form, which would have given confidence ahead of this Saturday when they return to league action, with Grimsby Town the opponents.

Paul Hurst’s Town are fierce opponents – they sit in fifth place, two below Whites, but have two games in hand to try and make up the one point cushion between the sides. At home, they have lost just twice in the Vanarama National League so far this season – to Macclesfield Town (0-2) in August, and to leaders Cheltenham Town (0-1) in October.

They have scored 29 goals in their 12 home matches – the second highest tally in the division – and have scored four or more in front of their home fans on four occasions (4-1 vs Barrow, 4-1 vs Bromley, 4-1 vs Aldershot Town, 7-0 vs FC Halifax).

However, Kinnear’s charges are full of belief in their own abilities, both individually and as a unit – indeed, some of their best performances have come away from home against sides fancied to make a promotion push – notably in the 5-2 defeat of Eastleigh, and the 1-0 win at Prenton Park against Tranmere Rovers.

Grimsby’s form over the last four league matches could not be better – four wins from four, and just two goals shipped.

They have, however, played three matches since their last league outing. They lost 1-0 in an FA Cup replay to League One side Shrewsbury Town after an initial 0-0 draw, and laboured to a 1-1 draw in the FA Trophy against National League North outfit Solihull Moors.

A win for Dover at the weekend could see them finish the day level on points with Forest Green Rovers in second place, whilst a home win for Town will see them climb at least one place, potentially two depending on Eastleigh’s result at home to Kidderminster Harriers.

For Dover, this is likely to be their toughest test over the Christmas period – after Saturday, the side face Welling United twice, with a clash against Bromley sandwiched inbetween the games against The Wings. With three winnable matches forthcoming, it would be fair to say that avoiding defeat at Blundell Park would be more than acceptable – but this is a Dover side who are confident, competent and more than able to spring a surprise.

Whites will be hoping that captain Jamie Grimes has recovered from a slight groin strain which saw him miss the win against Whitehawk, which would likely see him return alongside Richard Orlu and Sean Raggett in central defence.

Grimsby’s top scorer this season is Padraig Amond, who has 14 league goals to his name, and two in the FA Cup. Also in double figures is strike partner Omar Bogle, who has ten in the league thus far. Whites’ top scorer in the league remains Stefan Payne with 11, three ahead of Ricky Miller and Nicky Deverdics.

Last season, Whites travelled to Blundell Park in the second weekend of the season, and picked up their first point of the season in a 1-1 draw. Then, an 86th minute strike by Matt Lock gave Athletic their first league goal of the season, securing a point in the process as he levelled the terms after Jon-Paul Pittman put the Mariners ahead just ten minutes earlier.

Adding to the drama, Whites were awarded a penalty in the dying minutes of stoppage time, gifting them with the opportunity to take all three points back to Kent however Christian Nanetti’s low drive from the spot was well saved by Grimsby keeper James McKeown.

In the return fixture at Crabble, in March, Whites lost 1-0 courtesy of a sixth minute strike from Lenell John-Lewis, who is now on the books of League Two side Newport County.

Highlights from the home defeat can be viewed here:

[utube]

Supporters unable to make the game are able to follow the action via our Live Text service on Twitter – all you need to do is follow @DAFCLiveText.

Visiting supporters will be housed in the Osmond Stand Corner. The away supporters section of the Osmond Stand has a seating capacity of 586. Entry to this stand is in Harrington Street. All concessions will need to be purchased from the Ticket Office.

*BS*OTHER VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES*BF*
*IS*Friday 18th December, 7.45pm*IF* – live on BT Sport
Braintree vs Wrexham

*IS*Saturday 19th December, 3.00pm*IF*
Aldershot v Guiseley
Cheltenham v Altrincham
Chester v Torquay
Eastleigh v Kidderminster
Halifax v Tranmere
Forest Green v Boreham Wood
Gateshead v Woking
Lincoln City v Barrow
Southport v Bromley
Welling v Macclesfield

*IS**BS*VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE
DATE:*BF* Saturday 19th December 2015
*BS*KICK-OFF:*BF* 3.00pm
*BS*VENUE:*BF* Blundell Park, DN35 7PY*IF*

*BS*Dover Athletic travel to Blundell Park on Saturday, looking to cement third place over the Christmas period. Opponents Grimsby are in fifth, and have won their last four matches in the Vanarama National League.*BF*

After an inconsistent November, Dover have rallied and got this month off to a perfect start – two wins from two, eight goals scored and progression sealed in the FA Trophy. Having been knocked out of the FA Cup by Stourbridge, the FA Trophy offered Whites their last opportunity to compete in a knockout competition parallel to the playoff push, and it was a chance seized with both hands.

A strong side travelled to East Sussex to take on Steve King’s side, and the 3-1 victory came courtesy of a goal from Nicky Deverdics, and two from Stefan Payne. Next up in the competition are either Southport or Worcester City at Crabble, with the sides needing a replay after their initial 0-0 draw.

Prior to that, Whites dismantled a poor Aldershot side 5-2 to continue their excellent home form, which would have given confidence ahead of this Saturday when they return to league action, with Grimsby Town the opponents.

Paul Hurst’s Town are fierce opponents – they sit in fifth place, two below Whites, but have two games in hand to try and make up the one point cushion between the sides. At home, they have lost just twice in the Vanarama National League so far this season – to Macclesfield Town (0-2) in August, and to leaders Cheltenham Town (0-1) in October.

They have scored 29 goals in their 12 home matches – the second highest tally in the division – and have scored four or more in front of their home fans on four occasions (4-1 vs Barrow, 4-1 vs Bromley, 4-1 vs Aldershot Town, 7-0 vs FC Halifax).

However, Kinnear’s charges are full of belief in their own abilities, both individually and as a unit – indeed, some of their best performances have come away from home against sides fancied to make a promotion push – notably in the 5-2 defeat of Eastleigh, and the 1-0 win at Prenton Park against Tranmere Rovers.

Grimsby’s form over the last four league matches could not be better – four wins from four, and just two goals shipped.

They have, however, played three matches since their last league outing. They lost 1-0 in an FA Cup replay to League One side Shrewsbury Town after an initial 0-0 draw, and laboured to a 1-1 draw in the FA Trophy against National League North outfit Solihull Moors.

A win for Dover at the weekend could see them finish the day level on points with Forest Green Rovers in second place, whilst a home win for Town will see them climb at least one place, potentially two depending on Eastleigh’s result at home to Kidderminster Harriers.

For Dover, this is likely to be their toughest test over the Christmas period – after Saturday, the side face Welling United twice, with a clash against Bromley sandwiched inbetween the games against The Wings. With three winnable matches forthcoming, it would be fair to say that avoiding defeat at Blundell Park would be more than acceptable – but this is a Dover side who are confident, competent and more than able to spring a surprise.

Whites will be hoping that captain Jamie Grimes has recovered from a slight groin strain which saw him miss the win against Whitehawk, which would likely see him return alongside Richard Orlu and Sean Raggett in central defence.

Grimsby’s top scorer this season is Padraig Amond, who has 14 league goals to his name, and two in the FA Cup. Also in double figures is strike partner Omar Bogle, who has ten in the league thus far. Whites’ top scorer in the league remains Stefan Payne with 11, three ahead of Ricky Miller and Nicky Deverdics.

Last season, Whites travelled to Blundell Park in the second weekend of the season, and picked up their first point of the season in a 1-1 draw. Then, an 86th minute strike by Matt Lock gave Athletic their first league goal of the season, securing a point in the process as he levelled the terms after Jon-Paul Pittman put the Mariners ahead just ten minutes earlier.

Adding to the drama, Whites were awarded a penalty in the dying minutes of stoppage time, gifting them with the opportunity to take all three points back to Kent however Christian Nanetti’s low drive from the spot was well saved by Grimsby keeper James McKeown.

In the return fixture at Crabble, in March, Whites lost 1-0 courtesy of a sixth minute strike from Lenell John-Lewis, who is now on the books of League Two side Newport County.

Highlights from the home defeat can be viewed here:

[utube]

Supporters unable to make the game are able to follow the action via our Live Text service on Twitter – all you need to do is follow @DAFCLiveText.

Visiting supporters will be housed in the Osmond Stand Corner. The away supporters section of the Osmond Stand has a seating capacity of 586. Entry to this stand is in Harrington Street. All concessions will need to be purchased from the Ticket Office.

*BS*OTHER VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES*BF*
*IS*Friday 18th December, 7.45pm*IF* – live on BT Sport
Braintree vs Wrexham

*IS*Saturday 19th December, 3.00pm*IF*
Aldershot v Guiseley
Cheltenham v Altrincham
Chester v Torquay
Eastleigh v Kidderminster
Halifax v Tranmere
Forest Green v Boreham Wood
Gateshead v Woking
Lincoln City v Barrow
Southport v Bromley
Welling v Macclesfield

The draw for week 24 of the Striker draw (16/12/2015) has been made, and the results are as follows:

£1000
6573 – Mrs A Cork – Aerodrome Road, Hawkinge

£50
5221 – Mrs D Healey – Target Firs, Temple Ewell

£25
2123 – R Voller – Singledge Ave, Whitfield
6598 – Mr Tuffrey – Heathfield Road, Dover
2619 – Mr P Austen – Crabble Hill, Dover

£20
3163 – A Johnson – De Burgh Street, Dover
7886 – Mr Sean Roberts, Crabble Lane, Dover
631 – Mrs L Lawson – Folkestone Road, Dover

£10
3558 – Mr James Layton – Templar Street, Dover
6120 – Mr C A MacDonald – Newlands, Whitfield
5104 – Mr A J Bones – Churchill Street, Dover
4017 – Miss K King – Douglas Road, Dover
634 – S L Barrington – Hillside, Dover

The next draw will be held at Crabble at 2pm on Wednesday 23rd December 2015.

*BS*The National League at its monthly board meeting on 14th December discussed the matter of ‘Parachute Payments’ which was recently announced by The Football League.*BF*

Following the amendment to its articles, as of 2016/17, clubs relegated from The Football League will receive 100% of a League 2 payment in the first year and 50% in the second year.

While recognising that parachute payments are intended to provide a ‘soft landing’ for relegated clubs in order that they may adjust their affairs to a new level of income in a lower division, the Board of The National League is mindful of concerns which have been raised by a number of member clubs and generally expressed by supporters at our level of the game.

At this stage it would be the wish of The National League to meet with The Football League to consider the effects of increased payments and to explore what options may exist to mitigate any impact to balance of the competition.

Until such time as all who may have a view are consulted, which includes our own member clubs in January, the Board of The National League will refrain from passing any comment until matters are concluded.

The draw for week 24 of the Striker draw (16/12/2015) has been made, and the results are as follows:

£1000
6573 – Mrs A Cork – Aerodrome Road, Hawkinge

£50
5221 – Mrs D Healey – Target Firs, Temple Ewell

£25
2123 – R Voller – Singledge Ave, Whitfield
6598 – Mr Tuffrey – Heathfield Road, Dover
2619 – Mr P Austen – Crabble Hill, Dover

£20
3163 – A Johnson – De Burgh Street, Dover
7886 – Mr Sean Roberts, Crabble Lane, Dover
631 – Mrs L Lawson – Folkestone Road, Dover

£10
3558 – Mr James Layton – Templar Street, Dover
6120 – Mr C A MacDonald – Newlands, Whitfield
5104 – Mr A J Bones – Churchill Street, Dover
4017 – Miss K King – Douglas Road, Dover
634 – S L Barrington – Hillside, Dover

The next draw will be held at Crabble at 2pm on Wednesday 23rd December 2015.

*BS*The National League at its monthly board meeting on 14th December discussed the matter of ‘Parachute Payments’ which was recently announced by The Football League.*BF*

Following the amendment to its articles, as of 2016/17, clubs relegated from The Football League will receive 100% of a League 2 payment in the first year and 50% in the second year.

While recognising that parachute payments are intended to provide a ‘soft landing’ for relegated clubs in order that they may adjust their affairs to a new level of income in a lower division, the Board of The National League is mindful of concerns which have been raised by a number of member clubs and generally expressed by supporters at our level of the game.

At this stage it would be the wish of The National League to meet with The Football League to consider the effects of increased payments and to explore what options may exist to mitigate any impact to balance of the competition.

Until such time as all who may have a view are consulted, which includes our own member clubs in January, the Board of The National League will refrain from passing any comment until matters are concluded.

*BS*The National League is extremely pleased to announce their title sponsors Vanarama have agreed to extend their current partnership timeline to the end of the 2016/17 season. (31 May 2017)*BF*

The breaking news was announced in the last hour at a function at The House of Lords by Chairman Brian Barwick to the assembled guests, which included representatives of other football bodies, alongside additional sponsors and partners of The National League.

Founder and MD of Vanarama, Andy Alderson commented “We’re really delighted and proud to continue as title sponsors of The National League for a third season. The sponsorship has played a huge part in the growth of our brand. It’s delivered everything that I hoped for when we first entered into the deal but because of the support we have had from the League and it’s member clubs, the results have far exceeded our expectations”.

In response Brian Barwick said “This partnership has been tremendous since day one, with a number of individuals, our clubs and the staff of Vanarama, working together to make it happen on a daily basis. Partnerships also need to maintain good working relations, whilst sharing and understanding each other’s vision. We too are proud to play our part in the brand growth of Vanarama, knowing the very competitive field in which they operate their business.

“May I on behalf of all our member clubs and staff welcome this early confirmation which will enable the League to move forward with confidence, which can only reflect well and benefit both Vanarama and The National League”.

*BS*The National League is extremely pleased to announce their title sponsors Vanarama have agreed to extend their current partnership timeline to the end of the 2016/17 season. (31 May 2017)*BF*

The breaking news was announced in the last hour at a function at The House of Lords by Chairman Brian Barwick to the assembled guests, which included representatives of other football bodies, alongside additional sponsors and partners of The National League.

Founder and MD of Vanarama, Andy Alderson commented “We’re really delighted and proud to continue as title sponsors of The National League for a third season. The sponsorship has played a huge part in the growth of our brand. It’s delivered everything that I hoped for when we first entered into the deal but because of the support we have had from the League and it’s member clubs, the results have far exceeded our expectations”.

In response Brian Barwick said “This partnership has been tremendous since day one, with a number of individuals, our clubs and the staff of Vanarama, working together to make it happen on a daily basis. Partnerships also need to maintain good working relations, whilst sharing and understanding each other’s vision. We too are proud to play our part in the brand growth of Vanarama, knowing the very competitive field in which they operate their business.

“May I on behalf of all our member clubs and staff welcome this early confirmation which will enable the League to move forward with confidence, which can only reflect well and benefit both Vanarama and The National League”.

*BS*FOOTBALL CONFERENCE YOUTH ALLIANCE*BF*
Bromley 2-5 Dover Athletic Academy
DAFC Goalscorers: Alfie Paxman (3), Kyron Lightfoot, Brandon de Grout

*IS*Match report by Kyron Lightfoot*IF*

Dover started the game brightly, pressing high and creating chances. The first goal came from Dover who had been looking to score from the off set, the goal came from a accurate and long ball from goalkeeper James Tonkin which took all of Bromley’s back four by surprise when it cleared everybody and Alfie Paxman ran onto the kick and slotted home Dover’s first.

Dover continued to press high and showed great energy when Kyron Lightfoot pressed the centre back high causing the centre back to kick the ball to his feet allowing Kyron to ran at the back four then slot in Alfie Paxman who pulled the ball back to Kyron Lightfoot to slot home Dover’s second from close range.

The third goal came from high pressure again from Dover when Brandon de grout found himself intercepting a pass from Bromley’s back four which he found himself in a 2 on 2 situation with Alfie Paxman when Brandon crossed the ball with his weaker left foot for Alfie Paxman to head in for his 2nd and Dover’s 3rd just before the break.

Bromley came out with a reaction in the second half keeping the ball and looking to be positive on the counter. Bromley found themselves luckily enough to counter from Dover’s corner and slot home their first of the game. Dover then reacted positively after a good spell with the ball with the midfield 3 keeping the ball and Dovers front three of Alfie, Brandon and Kyron caused problems all game.

Dover’s back four was strong again with Cameron heffernan having to fill in the back four this week. Dover found their fourth goal through Brandon de grout who headed home a cross into the bottom right which was no more then he deserved. Dover kept the ball and always liked positively with a strong performance from everybody which everybody showed great energy. Bromley found themselves luckily enough to have their first corner of the game which they smashed in a scramble around a penalty area making it 4-2.

Dover still remained positive after conceding and still was causing problems when Kyron Lightfoot showed a bit of trickery before getting fouled and Alfie Paxman took everybody by surprise when he smashed home a free kick from the right into the far top corner making it 5-2 to Dover and taking the match ball. A strong and positive performance from Dover.

*BS*Dover Athletic will face either Southport or Worcester City in the second round of this season’s FA Trophy.*BF*

The initial match between the two sides was postponed at the weekend, so they will now face off on Tuesday night. Whites will then host the winner on Saturday January 16th, at Crabble with a 3pm kick-off.